Rockton Pelican Fest

Rockton Pelican Fest is a free family-oriented event that celebrates the American White Pelicans migrating through the Rockton area and Nygren Wetland Preserve, the Rock River, wildlife, and other natural assets surrounding Rockton, and promotes the local retail shops, eateries, and arts and culture of the historic Village of Rockton, Illinois.

Visit downtown Rockton businesses, retail shops, and eateries, outdoor vendor booths in the street/sidewalk area, and participate in activities for kids and families. The Traveling Science Center will also be available for all ages to explore, free of charge, located at the corner of W. Main and S. Prairie Streets. Hoo Haven will be at Village Hall with a live pelican and other wildlife for presentations at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Festival attendees will be encouraged to visit the nearby Nygren Wetland Preserve (3714 W. Rockton Rd.) to look for pelicans and other wildlife at the Wildlife Overlook. Guided nature hikes will be provided at Nygren Wetland at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

For the Early Birds!
7:30 a.m. Birders Hike at Nygren Wetland Preserve. Starts at the Wildlife Overlook: 3714 W. Rockton Rd., Rockton, IL. Free. No registration. Arrive a few minutes early. The tour will leave from the Overlook by 7:40 a.m.

A free Shuttle provided by Stateline Mass Transit District will be taking people to Nygren Wetland Preserve on an ongoing basis throughout the event from downtown Rockton.

Presented by JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery, Downtown Rockton, Sinnissippi Audubon Society, and Natural Land Institute.